Nicodemus hypnotizes a child to help him break into Doctor Strange's Sanctum and attempt to steal the power of the Sorceror Supreme. Strange and Clea work together to give him just what he wants, briefly transferring all of their power to Nicodemus, tranforming him into a creature resembling Dormammu, but due to his poor understanding of the fundamentals of magic, the power overwhelms him and Strange and Clea are able to set things right. Strange lets Nicodemus go, trusting that he's been cured of his powerlust.

Al Milgrom talks about the importance of balancing out superstar talent with relatively unknown newcomers that can express more humility. Then he invites in Paul Smith, whose upcoming work as regular X-Men artist has transformed him from humble rookie into a literal blinding star.

Notes

Wraparound cover.

The Doctor Strange story takes place before Doctor Strange Vol 2 53, where Clea leaves to fight for the Dark Dimension.